Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra Phantom Black 128GB

The refurb S22 Ultra is a ridiculous value. You get a built-in stylus, a mind-blowing zoom camera, and a screen that still dazzles, all for the price of a dinner out, if you eat at fancy places.

What surprised us most is how well the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 holds up. It's not chart-topping anymore (we've got it in the 76th percentile), but it chews through daily apps, 4K video edits, and even demanding games like Genshin Impact without major hiccups. The real win is that 5,000mAh battery. It's in the 97th percentile, meaning you'll comfortably get through a day and then some. Charging speeds are just okay at 45W, but with battery endurance this good, you won't be scrambling for a plug.

Put it next to the iPhone 16 Pro Max, and the Samsung's telephoto still wins (10x optical vs 5x), plus you get the S Pen if you're a note-taker. Apple fights back with faster raw performance and a longer software update window. The OnePlus 15 is a speed demon with insanely fast charging, but its zoom can't hang. The Motorola razr ultra 2025 is a flip phone flex, not a camera rival. The Google Pixel 10a is a much cheaper, newer device, but its camera can't touch the S22 Ultra's versatility, especially at long range. If zoom and stylus matter, the Samsung still runs laps around all of them.

At $250 to $450, the S22 Ultra is an absurd value. You're getting a 99th-percentile camera system, a top-tier display, and an S Pen for less than the price of a new mid-ranger. The sweet spot seems to be around $300, especially from a reputable refurb seller like Newegg. Just know that the 'Acceptable' grade means the phone's body has seen some battles. If you can live with a few scratches, this is the best phone deal we've seen all year.

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is still a beast in 2025, especially at these refurb prices. If you want a phone with a built-in stylus, a 10x optical zoom camera that embarrasses most 2025 flagships, and a gorgeous 6.8-inch screen, this is your ticket. The catch? It's a Grade C refurb, so you'll be living with some scuffs, but honestly, for $250 to $450, this phone feels like you're getting away with something.

If you're looking for a pristine, unmarked phone that'll impress out of the box, this isn't it. Go grab a brand-new Pixel 8a or Galaxy A55 instead. Also, if you need the absolute fastest chip for hardcore gaming, the 8 Gen 1 will leave you wanting more. Anyone else, this is a steal.

If you don't mind a few cosmetic scars, buy this phone. The Galaxy S22 Ultra delivers a flagship experience that holds its own against 2025 phones, and the S Pen plus that 10x zoom camera are things you won't find in any new phone under $800. At this price, it's a screaming deal. Just get a decent case and pretend the dents don't exist.